Is Your Thermostat Ready for Winter?

As temperatures begin to drop, ensuring your thermostat is ready for winter is essential to keep your home warm and energy-efficient. A well-maintained thermostat not only keeps your family comfortable but also helps reduce heating costs. Blanco A/C, Electrical, & Plumbing, serving Johnson City, Dripping Springs, Spring Branch, and Canyon Lake, offers expert advice on preparing your thermostat for the colder months.

Switch to Heating Mode

Ensure your thermostat is set to ‘Heat’ mode instead of ‘Cool.’ This step ensures your system is ready to deliver warm air as needed.

Expert Tip: Test your heating system by raising the temperature slightly to confirm it activates properly. If it doesn’t, schedule a professional inspection.

Program Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can save energy by lowering the temperature while you’re away or asleep and increasing it when you’re home. This adjustment helps balance comfort and efficiency.

Expert Tip: Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and awake, and lower it by 5-10 degrees when you’re asleep or away for optimal energy savings.

Replace Thermostat Batteries

Check and replace your thermostat’s batteries to ensure it works reliably throughout the season. Low batteries can lead to system malfunctions or outages.

Expert Tip: Replace batteries annually or at the start of each heating season to avoid unexpected issues.

Clean the Thermostat

Dust and dirt can interfere with your thermostat’s sensors, causing inaccurate readings. Gently clean it with a soft, dry cloth to maintain accuracy.

Expert Tip: Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that could damage the internal components.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

If your thermostat is outdated, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These modern devices adapt to your schedule, offer remote control, and help reduce energy bills.

Expert Tip: Smart thermostats can provide detailed energy usage reports, helping you identify additional ways to save.

Check for Calibration Issues

If your thermostat isn’t reading temperatures accurately or your home feels inconsistent, it might need calibration. A professional can ensure your thermostat is working correctly.

Expert Tip: If your thermostat is over 10 years old, replacing it with a newer model can improve accuracy and efficiency.

Stay Comfortable This Winter

Preparing your thermostat for winter is an easy yet important step in ensuring your home stays warm and energy-efficient. For thermostat maintenance, calibration, or upgrades, contact Blanco A/C, Electrical, & Plumbing at (830) 201-0980 today.